Combustion behavior of oak wood (Quercus mongolica L.) modified by 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU)

Abstract

Abstract The modification of wood with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) is an efficient strategy to improve its dimensional stability and durability during its service period. In this study, oak wood (Quercus mongolica L.) was treated with DMDHEU and the combustion behavior of the treated wood was examined. The bench-scale thermogravimetry and cone calorimetry showed that the treatment with DMDHEU alone enhanced the flammability of wood, but a combined treatment with DMDHEU and traces of magnesium chloride as a catalyst lowered the flammability to the level of untreated wood. In full-scale fire tests for flooring materials, it could be confirmed that both the untreated and treated woods have similar combustion behavior and can be classified as Dfl-S1 (capable of resisting a small flame and, for a certain period, a heat flux attack; the total smoke production is limited). Accordingly, further fire-retardant treatments may be required if DMDHEU-treated wood is used in public areas.